Oblique vs. Slant: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Oblique refers to an angle that is not perpendicular or parallel, often indirect. Slant implies a tilt or lean, often suggesting a biased perspective.
Key Differences
Oblique often describes angles that deviate from the perpendicular or horizontal, suggesting an indirect approach or position. Slant, in contrast, typically refers to a physical or metaphorical tilt, indicating a leaning or biased viewpoint. Both words can describe angles but in different contexts.
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Nov 28, 2023
In geometry, oblique angles are those not equal to 90 degrees, emphasizing a lack of orthogonality. Slant, however, suggests a gradual, non-vertical incline or decline, often used to describe slopes or biased opinions.
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Nov 28, 2023
In literature, oblique can imply an indirect or evasive approach, often used to describe subtle or nuanced expression. Slant, conversely, often carries a connotation of bias or a one-sided perspective, impacting the interpretation of events or information.
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Nov 28, 2023
In art, oblique lines create a sense of movement or dynamism, often breaking the static nature of parallel or perpendicular lines. Slant, by comparison, is used to convey perspective, depth, or a subjective angle, often creating a sense of imbalance or motion.
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Nov 28, 2023
In communication, oblique can refer to indirect or non-straightforward language, often used diplomatically. Slant, however, often implies a skewed or biased representation, coloring the message with a particular viewpoint or prejudice.
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Nov 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition in Geometry
Angle not perpendicular or parallel
Angle deviating from vertical or horizontal
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Artistic Implication
Creates dynamism and movement
Conveys perspective and depth
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Communication Style
Diplomatic, subtle language
Skewed, biased representation
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Physical Orientation
Deviates from standard axes
Inclines or declines gradually
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Oblique and Slant Definitions
Oblique
Diverging from a straight line or course.
The oblique rays of the sun cast long shadows.
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Oblique
Grammatically indirect.
The sentence used an oblique object instead of a direct one.
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Slant
To give a direction other than perpendicular or horizontal to; make diagonal; cause to slope
She slants her letters from upper right to lower left.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Not straightforward, morally or ethically.
His oblique tactics in negotiations were hard to follow.
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Slant
To present so as to conform to a particular bias or appeal to a certain audience
The story was slanted in favor of the strikers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Having a slanting or sloping direction, course, or position; inclined.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
To have or go in a direction other than perpendicular or horizontal; slope.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
(Mathematics) Designating geometric lines or planes that are neither parallel nor perpendicular.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
A line, plane, course, or direction that is other than perpendicular or horizontal; a slope.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
(Botany) Having the part on one side of the midrib of a different size or shape than the part on the other side. Used of a leaf.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
(Anatomy) Situated in a slanting position; not transverse or longitudinal
Oblique muscles or ligaments.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
A personal point of view or opinion
An article with an unconventional slant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Devious, misleading, or dishonest
Gave oblique answers to the questions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
Offensive Slang Used as a disparaging term for a person of East Asian birth or ancestry.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
(Grammar) Designating any noun case except the nominative or the vocative.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
A slope; an incline, inclination.
The house was built on a bit of a slant and was never quite level.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
(mining) A run: a heading driven diagonally between the dip and strike of a coal seam.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Not erect or perpendicular; not parallel to, or at right angles from, the base.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
(typography) slash, particularly in its use to set off pronunciations from other text.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Not direct in descent; not following the line of father and son; collateral.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Having the base of the blade asymmetrical, with one side lower than the other.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
A depression on a palette with a sloping bottom for holding and mixing watercolours.
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Oblique
Indirect; employing the actual words of the speaker but as related by a third person, having the first person in pronoun and verb converted into the third person and adverbs of present time into the past, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
(music) Employing oblique motion, motion or progression in which one part (voice) stays on the same note while another ascends or descends.
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Slant
A crime committed for the purpose of being apprehended and transported to a major settlement.
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Slant
A point of view, an angle.
It was a well written article, but it had a bit of a leftist slant.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
(intransitive) To deviate from a perpendicular line; to become askew;
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Slant
(ambitransitive) To lean, tilt or incline.
If you slant the track a little more, the marble will roll down it faster.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
(military) To march in a direction oblique to the line of the column or platoon; — formerly accomplished by oblique steps, now by direct steps, the men half-facing either to the right or left.
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Slant
(transitive) To bias or skew.
The group tends to slant its policies in favor of the big businesses it serves.
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Oblique
Not erect or perpendicular; neither parallel to, nor at right angles from, the base; slanting; inclined.
It has a direction oblique to that of the former motion.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Not straightforward; indirect; obscure;
The love we bear our friends . . . Hath in it certain oblique ends.
This mode of oblique research, when a more direct one is denied, we find to be the only one in our power.
Then would be closed the restless, oblique eye.That looks for evil, like a treacherous spy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
To be turned or inclined from a right line or level; to lie obliquely; to slope.
On the side of younder slanting hill.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Not direct in descent; not following the line of father and son; collateral.
His natural affection in a direct line was strong, in an oblique but weak.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
To turn from a direct line; to give an oblique or sloping direction to; as, to slant a line.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
To deviate from a perpendicular line; to move in an oblique direction.
Projecting his person towards it in a line which obliqued from the bottom of his spine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
To march in a direction oblique to the line of the column or platoon; - formerly accomplished by oblique steps, now by direct steps, the men half-facing either to the right or left.
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
Inclined from a direct line, whether horizontal or perpendicular; sloping; oblique.
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Slant
Degree of deviation from a horizontal plane;
The roof had a steep pitch
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Oblique
Slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angular;
The oblique rays of the winter sun
Acute and obtuse angles are oblique angles
The axis of an oblique cone is not perpendicular to its base
The axes are perpendicular to each other
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Oblique
Indirect in departing from the accepted or proper way; misleading;
Used devious means to achieve success
Gave oblique answers to direct questions
Oblique political maneuvers
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Oct 19, 2023
Slant
Present with a bias;
He biased his presentation so as to please the share holders
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Not explicit or done in a direct way.
His remarks were oblique, leaving us guessing about his real intentions.
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Nov 28, 2023
Slant
To incline or bend from a vertical position;
She leaned over the banister
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Oct 19, 2023
Oblique
Not perpendicular or parallel; slanting.
The oblique angle of the roof was architecturally striking.
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Nov 28, 2023
Slant
To present something in a biased or particular way.
The article slants the truth to favor one side.
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Slant
Having an oblique direction or position.
The slant of the roof allows rainwater to run off.
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Nov 28, 2023
Slant
A particular point of view or attitude.
His writing has a humorous slant.
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Slant
To distort information to fit a narrative.
The reporter's questions slanted towards controversy.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can slant be used to describe a bias?
Yes, slant often implies a biased or one-sided viewpoint.
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Nov 28, 2023
What does oblique mean in geometry?
It refers to an angle that is neither perpendicular nor parallel.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are oblique muscles related to the term?
Yes, they are named for their oblique orientation in the body.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does slant always mean a physical tilt?
No, it can also refer to a biased way of presenting information.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are oblique angles always acute?
No, they can be either acute or obtuse, but not right angles.
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Nov 28, 2023
What’s the difference between slant and slope?
Slope is more technical, measuring the steepness; slant is less precise.
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Can an oblique approach be strategic?
Yes, especially in diplomacy or negotiation.
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What does a slanted article mean?
It means the article is biased or presents one side of a story.
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How does slant affect journalism?
It can lead to biased reporting or skewed perspectives.
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How is oblique used in architecture?
To create dynamic and interesting structures.
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Is slant important in photography?
It can add a dynamic element to compositions.
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Does slant have a negative connotation?
Often, especially when referring to biased information.
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Nov 28, 2023
Can oblique statements be misleading?
Yes, if used to obscure or evade the truth.
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Nov 28, 2023
Does slant apply to personal perspectives?
Yes, it can describe an individual's particular viewpoint or bias.
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Nov 28, 2023
Are there oblique lines in art?
Yes, they add movement and interest to a piece.
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Nov 28, 2023
Do oblique angles have specific degrees?
They are simply not 90 degrees, so can vary widely.
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Nov 28, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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